We believe there is more to creating gardens than installing paths, patios and plants. Gardens are about people—whether individuals, groups or entire communities. So we focus on creating gardens where people can gatherwith friends, family and neighbors. Our specialties are residential gardens, learning gardens and urban farms. And we make these gardens engaging—places where people can interact with nature and with each other. Equally important, our designs are based on strong environmental and horticultural practices. In essence, we design to restore both nature and a sense of community.

RESIDENTIAL GARDENS

Engagement Starts at Home

Gardens aren't just beds or borders tucked in your backyard. They can greet you when you pull into your driveway and welcome guests at your front door. They can serve as a habitat for both humans and wildlife when filled with beautiful native plants and well-adapted Mediterranean plants that help feed your family, provide nesting sites for birds, bear nectar for honey bees and serve as hosts for butterflies. Seating areas, such as patios and porches, should invite you to spend more time outdoors, both by yourself and with those whose company you enjoy most. We believe that gardens, whether simply designed or overflowing with abundance, should be an extension of your home, not just something to dress up your house. We love that our clients spend time in their gardens and often discover the joys of gardening for themselves.

LEARNING GARDENS

Sowing the Seeds of Stewardship

What better way for kids and youth to learn about food, nutrition, gardening and the environment than by spending time in a garden? Learning gardens offer a fun and engaging way for studens to learn and for teachers to teach. They generate enthusiasm that carries over into the classroom and improves overall academic performance. Learning gardens encourage a healthy lifestyle and are great tools for teaching students how to become responsible environmental caretakers.

We work closely with school and public administrators, and collaborate with other professionals to design sustainable gardens that mimic the Earth's natural processes and oversee their installation. We engage students in the planning process and develop lesson plans that are aligned with Next Generation and Common Core standards. In doing so, we believe we are building a sense of community as much as we are creating a garden. Of course, learning gardens aren't just for kids. Everyone in a community deserves to learn about and enjoy the benefits of gardening, so we incorporate many of these same design principles in urban farms, community gardens and healing gardens.

URBAN FARMS

Growing Stronger, Healthier Communities

Urban farms and community gardens have the ability to feed the body and the soul. In doing so, they empower neighbors to build stronger communities and turn unused land into places where they can gather, grow food and learn new skills. Urban and community gardens can engage youth, adults and seniors alike in learning practical gardening skills and provide healthy food for their families or others in need.

We work with cities and community organizations to develop plans that make the most of available space and engage community members in the planning and planting process. We see projects through from start to finish and, by collaborating with other organizations, help to develop ongoing educational programs and support.

RESTORATION PROJECTS

Future Generations are Counting on Us

Environmental stewardship and sustainable practices are essential elements of every project we take on, whether private or public. We believe that what we do now has tremendous impact on the future of our region and the earth. We create backyard habitat gardens to provide food and nesting sites for birds, butterflies and other creatures. We will also work on large-scale, collaborative team projects—such as developing the ways in which people may more readily understand the issues and adaptations needed to address sea-level rise and engage with restored marshlands and horizontal levees through the design of educational signage, parking lots, plantings and pathways. Large or small, every garden and patch of earth makes a difference when it comes to creating diversity, fostering social resilience in a changing climate and with an uncertain future, and restoring the environment.